BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal’s potential quarter-final draw has been disclosed following their victory over Dinamo Zagreb, which secured their advancement to the next round yesterday. Mikel Arteta’s team now confronts formidable opponents that may potentially eliminate them at the quarter-final stage after the latest draw this morning.
Liverpool is the sole side in the Champions League to go to the group stage with an impeccable win record, as they decisively top the 32-club standings.
Following the 2-1 victory against Lille, Liverpool secured straight qualification for the last-16. Teams positioned as low as 26th in the standings still retain a possibility of advancement, creating an exhilarating phase with only two matches remaining until the qualifying teams are determined.
Most teams currently confront a fortnight characterised by diverse results and uncertainties, whereas Arne Slot may remain quite composed. His Liverpool group has secured a considerable edge during the bustling festive and New Year season, enabling them to rest and rotate players throughout January.
Conversely, Manchester City and Arsenal are not as fortunate. Mikel Arteta’s team is poised to qualify for the subsequent round, currently positioned fifth in the standings—merely two points behind third-placed Atletico Madrid.
Football.london offers comprehensive information regarding the knockout stages and draws.
What are the dates for the Champions League knockout rounds?
The revised structure of the Champions League indicates a possible division in the future. The first eight teams will progress directly to the round of 16, whereas teams ranked ninth to 24th will participate in a play-off round.
Matchday seven is slated for midweek (January 21 and 22), with the last set of matches occurring concurrently on January 29. A brief interval for the play-offs follows.
The initial matches are scheduled for February 11 or 12, with the subsequent matchups occurring one week later on February 18 or 19. This may indicate that Liverpool will have a month-long hiatus from Champions League competition.
When will the Round of 16 matches occur?
The round of 16 matches are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with the second legs occurring the subsequent week. By March 12, clubs will ascertain their outcomes and identify the remaining contenders in the final eight.
What is the date of the Champions League knockout stage draw?
The draw for the Champions League knockout stage presents both favourable and unfavourable news for Liverpool. The positive aspect is that after the play-offs, there will be a single draw to establish their route to the final, conducted in one instance rather than through progressively smaller events, as has traditionally been the case.
The disadvantage is that, owing to the playoffs, Liverpool may have to await until February 21 for their name to be included in a draw. The play-off draw will occur on January 31, following the conclusion of matchday eight.
The draw for the round of 16 occurs nearly a month later.